5 excellent things you can do in Sydney after dark

The sun might have gone down, but don’t be fooled – there are still plenty of fantastic venues open long into the night to keep you entertained after dark in the Sydney CBD. There’s a wealth of after dark activities to experience from comedy clubs, late night eats, theatre shows, terrifying ghost tours and even free karaoke bars in and around Sydney.

Each venue is easily accessible from a variety of public transport services, so you can leave the car at home and have a great night enjoying some of the best of Sydney’s nightlife hassle-free.

1. Catch a show at the Belvoir St Theatre

First opening in 1984, this iconic theatre in Surry Hills is known for hosting independent, affordable, innovative and (at times) controversial plays and productions — it’s one of Sydney’s most popular theatre establishments.

The building is actually owned by a syndicate of approximately 600 people, including famous Australian actors Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Judy Davis and Mel Gibson.

2. Head to Chinatown for a late night bite

Sydney’s Chinatown is home to some of the best and most authentic Asian dishes in Australia.

Here you’ll find institutions including the Golden Century Seafood Restaurant serving up banquet menus and live lobsters until 4am, while the Chinatown Noodle Restaurant is a Sydney favourite thanks to their delicious handmade noodles and dumplings.

Malaysian restaurant Mamak is constantly buzzing while the no-frills BBQ King is the place to go if you’re after tasty Chinese barbecued meat. For something a little different, check out the sleek and modern Japanese restaurant Wagaya which lets you order food via an iPad.

If you’re after a unique gift or need some late night retail therapy, the Chinatown Markets line the streets every Friday between 4pm and 11pm.

Where: Chinatown is primarily centred on Dixon and Sussex Streets

When: The majority of restaurants in Chinatown are open late for dinner, but do check ahead.

Cost: Prices vary depending on venue, but expect to pay around $15–$20 per main.

Getting there: From Central Station take a 12 minute walk (950m) along Hay St into the centre of Chinatown

4. Enjoy some free Karaoke

Just a 2 minute walk from Central Station, Goro’s is a spacious Japanese bar and restaurant located on the fringe of Surry Hills. It’s a venue that is designed to let the good times roll — especially on Fridays when they’re open until 3am.

Apart from a delicious range of Japanese dishes and unique beverages, one of the highlights is the free karaoke rooms. There’s a wide range of songs to choose from and they’ve even thrown in a box of dress up outfits if you’re feeling festive.

There’s no hourly charge, all they ask is that you occasionally buy a round of drinks or two during your time there.

Go on a ghost tour at Q Station… if you dare!

Sydney’s former Quarantine Station on North Head is said to be one of Australia’s most haunted sites, with stories galore of ghosts and paranormal occurrences. When darkness descends over Q Station’s historic buildings, the burial ground and empty pathways, there’s no denying things tend to get a little eerie.

Q Station certainly has many stories to tell, 150 years of misfortune and untimely deaths, stories of pain, loss and suffering have allegedly led to a number of restless spirits who haunt the grounds to this very day.

Plan Your Next Trip

As Sydney grows and the late night needs of residents, businesses and visitors expand, we’re making sure Sydney is better able to function 24 hours a day. Find out more about ourlate night services.

It’s a good idea to use our Trip Planner tool to see how these changes might affect your trip home. You can also download our handy travel apps – they’ll provide real-time information direct to your smartphone.

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